@article {3985, title = {A Pilot RCT of an Intervention to Reduce HIV Sexual Risk and Increase Self-acceptance Among MSM in Chennai, India.}, journal = {AIDS and behavior}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Apr 27}, abstract = {This is a 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (N~=~96) of a behavioral intervention (4 group and 4 individual sessions) integrating risk reduction counseling with counseling to foster self-acceptance in MSM in India compared to enhanced standard of care (ESOC). Both conditions involved HIV and STI testing and counseling at baseline and 6-months, and assessments of condomless sex at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. A significant condition by time interaction suggested a difference in the rate of change in number of anal sex acts without condoms in the intervention versus ESOC (p~<~0.0001). Post hoc contrasts suggested that the overall difference was due to intervention-response at 3-months. The incidence of bacterial STIs was 17.5~\% in the intervention condition and a 28.6~\% in ESOC. Addressing self-acceptance and related psychosocial concerns in the context sexual risk reduction counseling for MSM in India was feasible and acceptable. Testing the intervention for efficacy is justified.}, issn = {1573-3254}, author = {Safren, Steven A and Thomas, Beena E and Mayer, Kenneth H and Biello, Katie B and Mani, Jamuna and Rajagandhi, Vijaylakshmi and Periyasamy, Murugesan and Swaminathan, Soumya and Mimiaga, Matthew J} }